New Explosions in the Sky & Fever Ray + Arctic Monkeys Album Details

The instrumental post-rock quartet Explosions in the Sky of Austin, Texas, will be releasing their sixth LP titled Take Care, Take Care, Take Care on April 26. It's their first record in four years. Could changes to the band's style be upon us? Well for starters, their first track off the album, “Trembling Hands,” is significantly shorter at 3 minutes and 31 seconds when compared to their previous works. Yet there's no need to worry, the song holds true to their sound. You can download the song here and listen to it below.

Trembling Hands by Explosions in the Sky

Fever Ray, the electro-ambient sideproject of The Knife's Karin Dreijer Andersson, has contributed a song to the Red Riding Hood soundtrack. Appropriately titled, “The Wolf” is a haunting song sure to fit the films chilling mood. Complete with tribal howls and dark and eerie beats, it's another Fever Ray masterpiece.

Fever Ray - "The Wolf"

It was announced today that Arctic Monkeys' fourth effort will be titled Suck It and See and will be released on June 7. The album was produced by James Ford of Simian Mobile Disco who also worked on 2009's Humbug and 2007's Favourite Worst Nightmare. The record's lead track “Brick by Brick,” a homage to classic rock, was released last week; you can listen to it here. On their official website, the Sheffield natives also unveiled the tracklisting for Suck It and See.

01. She's Thunderstorms
02. Black Treacle
03. Brick by Brick
04. The Hellcat Spangled Shalalala
05. Don't Sit Down 'Cause I've Moved Your Chair
06. Library Pictures
07. All My Own Stunts
08. Reckless Serenade
09. Piledriver Waltz
10. Love is a Laserquest
11. Suck It and See
12. That's Where You're Wrong

Fleet Foxes' Robin Pecknold Releases Solo Songs & A Grizzly Bear Collabo!

 

This afternoon, singer-guitarist, Robin Pecknold of folk group Fleet Foxes tweeted that he recorded three solo songs while in LA a couple weeks ago. In another tweet, he explained “one is a duet with my friend Ed Droste from the amazing band Grizzly Bear, one is just a new solo jam, and one is a cover.” I'm a big fan of Fleet Foxes, but I love Grizzly Bear, so I was pretty excited by this. Listen to the duet below and click here to download the three-song EP. All are very mellow acoustic folk tracks, and the harmonies in the Droste duet are just simply beautiful. Check it out.

Robin Pecknold - I'm Losing Myself (Feat. Ed Droste)

Also, I finally got my hands on the Mumford & Sons (I know, it's about time) and Lykke Li albums. I've been listening to them constantly. Expect reviews soon!

In the News: Gaga Struts Catwalk to New Song, Broken Bells EP, Morning Benders Remix Ra Ra Riot + Lil Wayne Vid

Lady Gaga made her runway debut on Wednesday night at the fashion show launch of Thierry Mugler's new women's line in Paris. While strutting the catwalk for the first time, she premiered her track “Government Hooker,” which will be included on Born This Way, out in May. Puffing a cigarette, the ambitious pop star was dressed completely in black; a see-though blouse, a latex skirt, a beret and massive blonde extensions. The song later mixes into her latest hit “Born This Way” and she reappears on stage wearing an all white ensemble, flipping her hair and twirling her scarf. Watch the clip here. In terms of the new song, it's her usual club-banging pop sound, but this one feels like it has a little of an older electro feel. Just a thought; how the hell do those girls walk in those shoes?!

Broken Bells, the duo that combines Danger Mouse and Shins frontman James Mercer, will release a four-track EP, Meyrin Fields, on March 29. You can listen to the title track over on their MySpace. Below I've posted their odd futuristic space video of “The Ghost Inside.” It's one of those songs that seriously crawls into my mind and will stay there for weeks at a time. At least it's a good one.

The indie rock foursome from Berkeley, California, The Morning Benders, have released a remix of Ra Ra Riot’s “Too Dramatic.” They slowed it down, replaced the violins with some winding synth and gave it an echo effect. I almost like it better then the original. Listen below.

 

Lil Wayne's first video since getting out of prison was released last night. The clip's literal take on “6 Foot, 7 Foot” is pretty funny and offers us short spoofs of the Hollywood box office hit Inception. Watch below.

In the News: Reznor Wins An Oscar, Listen to M.I.A's “Zig-Zag” + Lady Gaga's New Video

Nine Inch Nails frontman, Trent Reznor, took home an Oscar for Best Original Score last night at the 83^rd Annual Academy Awards. He co-wrote the mood-setting soundtrack for The Social Network with friend and now band-mate, Atticus Ross (The two have formed a group with Reznor's wife, Mariqueen Maandig, called How To Destroy Angels). You can watch Reznor's and Ross' acceptance speech here.

M.I.A released her third album Maya less then a year ago, yet some new material has already surfaced online. “Zig-Zag” is a catchy track, more reminiscent of her Arular sound as opposed to her newer electronic efforts. The chorus rings with a New Kids on the Block styled melody; obviously taken from their 1988 hit “You Got It (The Right Stuff).” It's a fun song with an 80's hip hop beat. It took a couple tries, now it's in my head. Listen below. 

In Gaga related news, the music video for “Born This Way” was released today. The Mother Monster, as she refers to herself in the clip, gives birth to good and evil while on the planet of G.O.A.T; a government owned alien territory in space. Strange. There's tons of vaginal imagery, or alien vaginal imagery rather, which kind of makes the video a little awkward from the start. Her pointed shoulder and face prosthetics make an appearance, while the pop star dances in a bra and underwear with a group of half naked people. The guy covered in skeletal tattoos from the “Scheiße” remix video also makes a cameo and Gaga tries the look herself. Yes, it's weird, probably the most out-there of her videos to date, but we'd be stupid not to expect it. She ends the clip with a nod to Madonna and Michael Jackson, embracing all the many critical comparisons. Note the purposely placed gap in between her front teeth; awesome. Watch it below.

Kanye's Video for “All of the Lights” + Esben and the Witch

Kanye West has released the video for “All of the Lights,” a guest-heavy track off his incredible My Beautiful Dark Twisted Fantasy. He managed to feature 11 guest artists on the single, including the likes of Rihanna, Kid Cudi, Alicia Keys, John Legend, The-Dream, Fergie, Elly Jackson of La Roux and Elton John on piano. The song is based around a story of a selfish man who pushes away his family. Now we have a Hype Williams directed piece to accompany it, complete with lasers and flashing colours, Kanye on top of a police cruiser and a scantily-clad Rihanna (seriously, it looks as if she's wearing some type of boob harness). Check it out below.




Esben and the Witch are an indie neo-goth band from Brighton, England. The three-piece group signed with Matador last year and have just recently released their debut record Violet Cries. They named themselves after a Danish fairy tale about a boy, Esben, the youngest of 12 brothers who proves himself worthy, after being deemed unfit and useless by those around him. In terms of their music, its ghostly sound doesn't consist of your ordinary pop hooks. The possessed, distinctive voice of singer Rachel Davies sends your imagination into a haunting dream-like state. They experiment with some electronic beats, while swirling and drifting guitar and echoing drumbeats embody each track.

It took me a few listens to fully understand what all the hype was about, but I think I get it now. I've had a few songs on repeat, which is usually a good sign. Watch the video below of their debut single “Marching Song,” where we see the progression of a continuous beating on the faces of the three band mates. It's morbid, yet transfixing. It's hard to look away, and almost just as hard to watch. All the while, the haunting song plays in the background. I love that they have been able to do something so out of the box and keep my attention, which is why I applaud this band. I also recommend “Warpath” and “Lucia at the Precipice.”

Lykke Li Releases “Love Out of Lust”

Here's another taste from Lykke Li's upcoming album Wounded Rhymes, available March 1. The three tracks from the record that have been released thus far are purely awesome. I think it's safe to say this album is going to be amazing. I hope I'm not wrong.

Love Out Of Lust by LykkeLi

Friday Surprise: Radiohead Release New Album A Day Early

Radiohead, the English alternative legends, digitally released their eighth album, The King of Limbs, this morning. An announcement on Monday had everyone in a panic, anxiously waiting for Saturday to come, seeing as that was the day which was promised for the release of the record. But with a slight twist, Radiohead decided since having everything set, why not unveil their new body of work a day ahead of schedule.

Along with the surprise release of their new album, they also posted a video for one of their new songs, “Lotus Flower.” The video solely consists of frontman Thom Yorke, spastically dancing about as if on a sugar-high. Well maybe not a sugar-high...Watch the video below.

The King of Limbs is rather short, with only eight tracks. It is said that the record has the band moving a little further away from the guitar-based, classic sound we are accustomed to and is instead full of electronic rhythms and different song structures. You can purchase the physical format of the album on March 29; however, you can grab the digital version here.

A review of the album will be posted soon. In the meantime, watch Thom dance!

In the News: Radiohead To Release New Album, Arcade Fire Celebrate Win + Gaga Talks With A-Coop & Seacrest

Radiohead announced via their website yesterday that they will be releasing their eighth LP this Saturday. The King of Limbs will be available through a digital download this weekend, while a physical format, which the band has deemed “the world's first newspaper album,” will be released on May 9. Unlike “In Rainbows,” there will no longer be a “pay-what-you-want” type of deal. The digital release will be priced at $9 for an MP3 version and $14 for the WAV files. The physical “newspaper album” which includes two clear 10-inch vinyl records, a CD and a detailed package with many large and colourful sheets of artwork, 625 smaller pieces of artwork and a plastic sleeve will cost you $48. In terms of a traditional release, the CD and 12” vinyl will be available starting March 29. Nothing can ever be simple with Radiohead, but then again, I guess it just adds to their epicness. The band has been tight-lipped about the contents of the album. All we know is that The King of Limbs was produced by Nigel Godrich.

Post-Grammys, The Arcade Fire were interviewed about their surprising Album of the Year win. Check out the video below to see their genuinelly happy and cute respose to the award and how incredibly down-to-earth they are.  

Grammy Sidenote: Sunday night's presentation of the 53^rd Annual Grammy Awards had the largest audience the ceremony has seen in 11 years; 26.66 million viewers.

In other news, Lady Gaga was interviewed by CNN's Anderson Cooper. It's a pretty interesting segment that sheds some light on why she feels the need to wear the most outrageous things and say the things she does. If you're a fan of her it's worth the watch. And even if you're not. Click here to watch Lady Gaga and the Art of Fame.

Gaga was also interviewed by the renowned American Idol host during On-Air With Ryan Seacrest earlier today. She revealed some deatils about her upcoming album, Born This Way, out May 23. She mentioned that her next single, "Judas," will be released a few weeks before the unveiling of the record. She told Seacrest that not only did she write all the songs herself, she also co-produced them with RedOne. Song titles the eccentric pop star mentioned were "Hair," "Marry the Night," and "Government Hooker." The latter song apparently has a hip hop beat and "really filthy" lyrics. You can listen to the interview here.

Grammy Hangover; Surprises, Shockers, The Good & Bad

What can I say about the 53rd Annual Grammy Awards that took place in Los Angeles last night? Well, now that I've calmed down and placed my phone across the room so I can cease whatever is left of the Twitter attack I was having, I can clearly reflect on last night's events.

First of all, biggest surprise of the night; Arcade Fire wins Album of the Year for their masterpiece, The Suburbs. This was an incredible moment for not only the band, but for music. Like Kanye tweeted, maybe there is hope in the world. I was shocked. As a big fan of the band, of course I was cheering for them, but never expected an album that was released on an independent label to beat out the likes of Eminem, Lady Gaga, Katy Perry and Lady Antebellum. The seven-piece Canadian outfit was clearly shocked themselves. “What the hell?” exclaimed frontman Win Butler when he received the award. “Thank you to the Grammys, thank you everyone. We're so happy!” They then ended the night with an energized performance of “Ready to Start.” The band later tweeted this. I'm genuinely so happy for them.

Another surprise, Eminem, the one-expression-only rap superstar, was nominated for 10 awards, but only left with two. So much for the clean sweep everyone thought was going to happen.

The shockers don't end there. Jazz singer and instrumentalist, Esperanza Spalding took home the highly coveted award for Best New Artist. I think I speak for everyone when I say: “WTF?” How does someone who is relatively unknown in the world of mainstream music beat out huge contenders like Justin Bieber, Florence and the Machine, Drake, and Mumford and Sons? I'm all for recognizing new artists and sounds, but lets be fair here, everyone she was up against (including Bieber) contributed much to the industry as of recently and they hand over the award to the new kid? Voters got it wrong.

Yet another head-scratcher; the chart-topping country group Lady Antebellum won Grammys for both Record and Song of the Year, shutting out favored nominees Cee Lo Green and Eminem and Rihanna.

In the other top categories, Muse took home Best Rock Album for The Resistance, the deserving Black Keys won Best Alternative Album for Brothers, and Jay-Z and Alicia Keys received the Best Rap Song award for “Empire State of Mind.”

Awards aside, it was all about the performances. The night began with a tribute to Aretha Franklin (that went on for far too long) and featured Christina Aguilera, Martina McBride, Yolanda Adams, Jennifer Hudson and Florence Welch of Florence and the Machine (who was clearly the best vocalist of the bunch). A 67-year-old Mick Jagger also payed tribute, but to Solomon Burke instead and proved age clearly doesn't matter when he energetically danced across the stage in Nike sneakers.

Lady Gaga's debut performance of “Born This Way” was one of my favourites. Yes, she is crazy and weird and some of her artistic ideas seem out of the norm, but how boring would it be if every artist was the same? She offers us something different, a little entertainment while we listen to her beautifully crafted pop music. So haters need to leave her be; I'm looking at you Jason Segel. The pop star arrived at the ceremony enclosed in an egg, then hatched during her well choreographed performance and was born a hair-whipping, organ-playing demon-dinosaur! It was entertaining and I enjoyed it. Her outfits throughout the night were hilariously awesome; massive platforms, a superhero inspired leather ensemble which outlined fake butt cheeks and a hat that hid her face. Could we expect anything less?

Muse played their hit “Uprising” while standing on the three-piece stage they used for their last tour, as a riot took place beneath them. Bob Dylan joined Mumford and Sons and the Avett Brothers after they performed their folk singles and sang “Maggie's Farm.” Although Dylan is getting older and his voice isn't what it used to be, it was still a nice moment. Rihanna, Eminem and Maroon 5's Adam Levine teamed up for “Love the Way You Lie.” Then in his first television performance in over a decade, Dr. Dre joined Eminem in “I Need a Doctor.” It was great, but could have used a little more Dre.

Rihanna later returned with Drake for "What's My Name," another one of my favourite performances. The song took on a more tribal vibe and Rihanna's vocals seemed stronger. It probably wasn't completely live, which would explain it. Speaking of my faves of the night, Arcade Fire's seizure-inducing stobe light extravaganza for "Month of May," was simply awesome and consisted of guys on BMX bikes riding across the stage with cameras on their helmets so we could see what they see. Pretty cool.

Oscar winner Gwenyth Paltrow paired up with Cee Lo Green to sing “The song otherwise known as 'Forget You'” as the Grammys puts it. It was a colourful performance, complete with dancing Muppets, Cee Lo in a bird/knight costume and a piano-climbing Paltrow. Although it seemed like Cee Lo might have forgotten some of his own lyrics, he could have just been really into it. It was a fun few minutes after all. B.O.B, Bruno Mars and Janelle “Poof” Monae also came together during “Nothing On You,” “Grenade” and “Cold War.”


At the end of the day, it wasn't a complete waste of 3 and half hours. Until next year!

The 53rd Annual Grammy Award Winners:
Album of the Year: Arcade Fire, The Suburbs
Record of the Year: Lady Antebellum, “Need You Now”
Song of the Year: Lady Antebellum, “Need You Now”
Best New Artist: Esperanza Spalding
Best Rap Album: Eminem, Recovery
Best Pop Vocal Album: Lady Gaga, The Fame Monster
Best Alternative Music Album: The Black Keys, Brothers
Best Rock Album: Muse, The Resistance
Best Rap Song: Jay-Z and Alicia Keys, “Empire State of Mind”
Best Pop Performance by Duo or Group: Train, “Hey, Soul Sister (Live)”
Best Female Pop Vocal Performance: Lady Gaga, “Bad Romance”
Best Male Pop Vocal Performance: Bruno Mars, “Just the Way You Are”
Best Dance Recording: Rihanna, “Only Girl (In the World)”
Best Electronic Dance Album: La Roux, La Roux
Best Rock Performance by a Duo or Group: Black Keys, “Tighten Up”
Best Hard Rock Performance: Them Crooked Vultures, “New Fang”
Best Metal Performance: Iron Maiden, “El Dorado”
Best Rock Song: Neil Young, “Angry World”
Best Rap Solo Performance: Eminem, “Not Afraid”
Best Rap Performance By a Duo or Group: Jay-Z and Swizz Beatz, “On to the Next One”
Best Rap/Sung Collaboration: Jay-Z and Alicia Keys, “Empire State of Mind”
Best R&B Song: John Legend and the Roots, “Shine”
Best Urban/Alternative Performance: Cee Lo, “F*** You”
Best R&B Album: John Legend and the Roots, Wake Up
Best Contemporary R&B Album: Usher, Raymond v Raymond
Producer of the Year, Non-Classical: Danger Mouse

Lady Gaga Releases New Single: “Born This Way”

After much hype and teasing, Lady Gaga has finally released the first single off her highly anticipated album Born This Way, which is out this coming May. The song of the same title, is a collection of pulsating house beats, buzzing synth rhythms and theatrical choruses. With hints of Madonna's “Express Yourself” and Michael Jackson's “Black or White,” the song consists of a political, yet inspirational message about embracing who you are as a person and diversity in general. The fashion-forward pop star has had so much hype surrounding the release of this single that today has been deemed “Born This Way Friday,” with radio stations playing the track on heavy rotation. It's funny to think that the song only took her 10 minutes to write! Personally, I like the track. It takes a few moments to comprehend what exactly is going on, but I inevitably gave into the beat and began nodding my head and slowly dancing in my seat; an affect most Gaga songs have on me upon the first listen. I'm really looking forward to her third album, May feels so long away.

“You're black, white, beige, chola descent / You're Lebanese, you're Orient / Whether life's disabilities left you outcast, bullied or teased / Rejoice and love yourself today / 'Cause baby you were born this way.”

The Strokes Release New Single: "Under Cover of Darkness"

Earlier this week, NYC indie rockers The Strokes, allowed fans to preview their first single “Under Cover of Darkness” off their upcoming album, Angles. Well now you can get a full taste of the song, which sounds like it has taken a poppier angle, if you will, on their classic Strokes sound. An interesting observation; harmonies! Julian Casablancas has some help, which actually sounds really nice. Visit the band's website for a free download of the song.

In the News: It All Started At The Cavern Club 50 Years Ago

It was 50 years ago today (February 9, 1961) that The Beatles first played a gig at the legendary Cavern Club in their hometown of Liverpool, England. According to Rolling Stone, the group got paid only but three pounds for their performance and would go on to play 292 shows at The Cavern Club in the following two and half years. It was here that they were discovered by their manager Brian Epstein in November of 1961 and also where they began to develop a fan base that would eventually spread like wild fire. Then of course, they took over the world. So cheers to you Cavern Club, and your role in the musical career of the awesomeness that is The Beatles.

In the News: Preview The Strokes' New Single

The 5 piece New York City outfit has given fans a sneak peek at their debut single off their fourth effort, Angles. “Under Cover of Darkness” will be the first release the band has made in 5 years, even though it hasn't felt nearly that long. No one has a clue as to what the boys have in store, especially with all the tension and hostility there is said to be between the boys these days. However, this snippet of their comeback single should give fans some comfort. It's only 30 seconds, yet it should assure everyone that they are staying true to their classic Strokes sound. The album is due for release on March 21 and the full track is rumoured to be out later this week.

Listen to the teaser for “Under Cover of Darkness”

Song Pick of the Week!

Niki and the Dove - “DJ, Ease My Mind”

Earlier this week I came across Swedish trio, Niki and the Dove. I figured I'd give them a listen and almost instantly, I was hooked. I fell in love with the track “DJ, Ease My Mind,” and can't seem to get enough of it. With an experimental combination of bouncy drumming and delicate synths, mixed with eerie, electronic beats, the sound of this band is completely intriguing. Vocalist, Malin Dahlstrom, has an artistic tinge to her fragile voice that forces you to draw comparisons to Karin Dreijer Andersson of The Knife and Fever Ray, as well as Lyyke Li. The band doesn't have an album out yet, but instead have four tracks floating around online. With that said, I recommend that you listen to “Mother Protect” and the remaining two songs by clicking here. There is little known about this act; both their website and MySpace leave much to the imagination. However, I have a strong feeling we'll be hearing a lot more about them in the near future.

In the meantime, listen to the captivating, ghostly single “DJ, Ease My Mind.”

In the News: White Stripes' Skyrocketing Sales, Rihanna is Banned + J-Biebs on the Daily Show!

Since announcing their split on Wednesday, album sales of The White Stripes have soared. According to Amazon, the bluesy-rock duo's 2010 documentary and live album Under Great White Northern Lights has risen 2,644 percent. Their albums Elephant and White Blood Cells are also featured in the Top 10 Sellers. It's nice to see people actually buying their music.


Rihanna's video for her latest single, “S&M” has been banned in 11 countries and censored on YouTube. The video features Rih-Rih surrounded by gagged reporters, whipping a tied up man on a mattress, sucking on a banana, and simulating sex with a blow-up doll. To top it off, Perez Hilton makes a cameo as he pretends to be a dog, dominated by the pop diva who holds his leash. Gross. I know it sounds bad, but in reality, the video doesn't show us anything we haven't seen before; and I say that with the utmost confidence that I am not a pervert in any way, shape or form. So many artists try to push the envelope with sexual imagery; Rihanna is not the frist and will probably not be the last. You can watch the uncensored version of “S&M” below, which can also be found on Rihanna's website.



In a peculiar switch-up, Stratford's own Justin Bieber kicked off the Daily Show last night posing as Jon Stewart in his teenage body. Stewart storms in dressed as the beloved pop prince and begs him to touch a magical skull in order for things to return to normal. It's pretty entertaining. Watch the video here.

In the News: The White Stripes Break-Up

The dynamic duo have made it official; The White Stripes have split up.

The band announced their break-up through a posting on their website. “The reason is not due to artistic differences or lack of wanting to continue, nor any health issues as both Meg and Jack are feeling fine and in good health. It is for a myriad of reasons, but mostly to preserve what is beautiful and special about the band and have it stay that way.” You can read the entire statement here.

We really should have seen it coming. The last time they toured was in 2007 promoting their sixth effort, Icky Thump. Then due to drummer Meg White's anxiety issues, the tour was cancelled. The last we saw of them together was on the final episode of Late Night With Conan O'Brien in February 2009, where the two performed “We're Going To Be Friends.” It's no secret that Jack has been quite busy with The Raconteurs as well as The Dead Weather. Meg on the other hand hasn't done much musically, but recently married Patti Smith's son, Jackson.

I liked the Stripes. I was never an overly obsessive fan, but I like their music and their awkward, yet cute pairing. I think it has something to do with the fact that their edgy, garage rock songs and quirky music videos played a significant role throughout my high school years, which of course helped develop my current taste in music. So, I feel really disappointed to hear about the split, but I guess it's always better to quit while you're ahead.

At least we'll always have gems like this to remember them by.

In the News: Friendly Fires Return, Jay-Z Produces, Glee and KOL Still Fighting + New Sleigh Bells Video!

Friendly Fires, the alternative-dance trio of St Albans, England have confirmed the title of their second album which they plan to release this spring. The record is entitled, Pala, after the fictitious, Buddhist sanctuary in Aldous Huxley's 1962 novel, Island. Personally, I'm pretty excited about this. Friendly Fires are by far one of the most awesome bands I've come across in the last few years. Not to mention, they put on a great live show and live up to their name; they're actually really friendly! I met frontman Ed Macfarlane two years ago at Lee's Palace. We talked about restaurants in Toronto and how cheese makes you gassy, especially before going on stage. Can't wait for this album! It was co-produced by Paul Epworth, so we should expect greatness.

According to Spin, hip hop giant, Jay-Z, has confirmed that he will be co-producing a remake of Annie, staring Willow Smith. I hate remakes which I guess makes me completely biased in thinking this is going to be a sinking ship. But, seriously? Just because she's a “Smith” and her brother cut it in The Karate Kid, doesn't mean she needs to reinvent the original Carrot Top.

The gloves are still not off between Glee's Ryan Murphy and Kings of Leon. According to Rolling Stone, Murphy sent an email to Perez Hilton (of all people) accusing drummer, Nathan Followill of being a homophobe (read Followill's tweet in the post below). The Glee creator continued to say that the cast loves KOL's music, but “cannot condone or even laugh at their clear disdain of gay people.” Followill replied through a tweet which read: “I'm sorry for anyone that misconstrued my comments as homophobic or misogynistic. I'm so not that kind of person. I really do apologize.” Will the madness ever end? Why can't we all just get along?

Today the Brooklyn electro-dance-punk duo, Sleigh Bells, released the music video for their latest single, “Rill Rill,” which you can find on their loud debut, Treats. Singer Alexis Krauss plays the role of a murderous schoolgirl, abandoning her beaten bandmate, guitarist Derek Miller, after throwing him out of her car while in the desert. Then she's off to school. Check it out! It's a good track, I promise. 

In the News: Glee's Ryan Murphy Hates on KOL

It's no surprise that over the past few years Tennessee royalty, Kings of Leon, have gained incredible mainstream success. They went from that cool indie-blues band that people knew of, but didn't, to a massive arena rock band, with Grammy nominated anthems and constant radio play. A drastic change we can thank North America for. The Followill boys recognize they have become sellouts, as their fans put it, getting offers to appear in this and have music featured in that. One of those offers being from the teenage musical hit, Glee. According to Spin, bassist Jared Followill says the group turns down tons of offers and haven't sold-out nearly as much as people think.

It seems Glee creator, Ryan Murphy, doesn't take rejection too well. “F*ck you, Kings of Leon,” he told The Hollywood Reporter. “They're self-centered assholes.” He continued to say that his popular show has helped raise awareness of different artists, and boosted sales, while introducing a younger audience to a variety of music which he believes to be educational. He went on about how KOL should take advantage of this and how they could inspire so many of Glee's younger viewers.

The band's frontman, Caleb Followill, replied to Murphy's harsh comments by stating that none of them have even watched Glee and denied the request, not because they hate the show, but because they were asked for the rights to use the song, “Use Somebody,” at the end of a long, tiring tour promoting it. “We're not sure where the anger is coming from,” he added.

Drummer, Nathan Followill took a different route. Today he charmingly tweeted: “Dear Ryan Murphy, let it go. See a therapist, get a manicure, buy a new bra. Zip your lip and focus on educating 7yr olds how to say f*ck.”

I'm sure he got the message and probably won't bug KOL for song rights again any time soon.

Finally, New Metronomy Material!

I am extremely excited that English, electropop sensation, Metronomy, is finally returning. It's been over two years since the release of their last LP, Nights Out; an addictive jumble of synth, bass-filled electronic beats that in all honesty, just makes you want to dance. Their third album, The English Riviera, is set to be released this April, but til then, the band has offered us its first single, “She Wants.” The track is to be officially released on January 31^st and will be available as a free download off the band's website. It's a little different, more groovy, and has more of a laid back feel then past Metronomy work. However, before you know it, it's in your head; with its emphatic drum beat, irresistible bassline, monotonous, humming synth and Joseph Mount's consistent tone of short-strung lyrics. It's an interesting change. Whatever the case, I cannot wait until April, I need this album now.

Watch the official video for “She Wants”:

In the News: More Kanye So Soon? Winehouse + Cee Lo? RPattz as Buckley?

Just two months after the release of My Beautiful Dark Twisted Fantasy, and about a month or two until his collaboration with Jay-Z hits record stores, Kanye West is already back at work. Through a series of tweets, he promised fans that his sixth solo album will be released this coming summer. He also mentioned that “THIS IS HIGH END RAP MUSIC,” in Kanye-caps fashion. High end rap music? What exactly does that mean? I think it's safe to assume some classical music will be involved. A later tweet read: “I just threw some bassoon on this muthaf**ka.” Interesting; so we can expect some heavy bass in the mix.

Amy Winehouse is finished working on her next album, a follow-up to the jazzy Back to Black. According to Spin, the troubled, English singer met up with Cee Lo Green while in St. Lucia and recorded a song together. It may be included on her third record which is currently in the hands of her label. I think their soul-driven sounds would work well with one another. No word yet on when it will be released.

In film related news, Twilight star and teen-magnet, Robert Pattinson, is interested in playing the role of Jeff Buckley in a biopic of the late singer's life. According to NME, the biopic is in the works, with Michelle Sy rumoured to be its producer. Apparently, Pattinson is “obsessed with landing the role.” Personally, I think it could work. RPattz does play guitar and sings mellow music (see for yourself here and here) and his scruffy look is comparable to Buckley's. Yet, can he pull it off? Will we be able to see him as the Almighty Jeff Buckley and not a glittering vampire?